Attention, it has come to our attention that there has been social media posts/conversations about donating to the U.S. Forest Service Fire Management Teams. We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community, but we ARE NOT accepting or requesting donations! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews are well equipped and cared for. However if you are interested in showing support below is a list of ways you can support our team and mission:

Here are some ways you can show support for firefighters.

• Help keep firefighters safe by creating defensible space around your home. Creating defensible space around your home is absolutely the BEST thing you can do to help firefighters.  Learn how at http://firewise.org.

• Post thank you banners / signs in the community and on social media.  This is a great morale booster for firefighters after a long shift!

• Write thank you notes to firefighters. Drop them off at the incident command post so they can be posted or shared.

• Write thank you letters to firefighters families.  Put them in blank, stamped envelopes.  After briefings or after shifts, firefighters can address letters to parents, kids, spouses, etc. 

• • , and we have strict national guidelines for firefighter nutrition. Rest assured, we feed our fire crews three meals a day, including snacks.

Consider a financial contribution to a voluntary organization of your choice. You might consider a donation to:

• Your Local Fire Department
• The Wildland Firefighter Foundation or other firefighter support organization
• The American Red Cross or other community relief organization

• Your local Humane Society or other animal support organization
• Other organizations of your choice

Thank you for your kind consideration! 

Bonners Ferry Ranger District Fires Fact Sheet
Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Inciweb:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8374/                              https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8338/

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8356/                             https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8360/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF

Public Information Phone: (208) 557-8813

Boundary County Emergency Line: (208) 696-2629

District Fact Sheets will be provided if a significant event occurs.

Location: Bonners Ferry, Idaho

Name of Fire       Start Date                Size (Acres) Cause Containment

Eneas Peak       August 13, 2022           1,123       Lightning     0%

Trout                       August 21, 2022             678       Lightning     0%

Russell Mountain      August 24, 2022             3,107       Lightning     0%

Scotch               September 1, 2022     494       Lightning `  0%

Last night, a reconnaissance flight checked the status of existing fires. The Eneas Peak fire grew 178 acres; the Trout Fire grew 428 acres; the Russell Mountain fire grew 607 acres, and the Scotch fire grew 449 acres. Fire managers continue to assess opportunities to utilize aviation resources to confine all four fires within the drainages and west of the private lands. Engines are working along Westside road to protect private homes, and crews will continue the work into the night.

Closures:  Due to fire suppression activities and active fires effect we advise that visitors avoid Ball Creek Road (FSR 432), Trout Creek Road (FSR 634), and trails.  Impacted Trails include Russell Mountain (No. 12), Russell Ridge (No. 92), Ball & Pyramid Lakes (No. 43), Pyramid Pass Trail (No. 13), Pyramid Peak (No. 7), Fisher Peak (No. 27), and Trout Lake (No. 41).

Evacuations: There are NO evacuations currently in place. However, those living on West Side Road closest to Burton Road and Ball Creek Road have been upgraded to ‘set’ fire evacuation status. “Set” is the last stage of readiness before an actual evacuation takes place. If not voluntarily evacuating already, residents in this stage are advised to at least gather their evacuation supplies together or pre-load them into their vehicles to enable a quick exit if evacuation is advised.  When living in fire-prone areas, all residents must have an evacuation plan, including all essential documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets, and be quickly transportable.  Residents of Boundary County, ID, can visit https://www.nixle.com or text their home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts. To learn more about Ready Set Go, visit https://bit.ly/3wi0jMu. For tips on defensible space for homes, visit Firewise https://bit.ly/3PALyeG. To prevent unwanted fires, visit the Idaho Department of Lands https://bit.ly/3c4v158.

On September 1, 2022; the Boundary County Emergency Management Public Information Office with the Sherriff's Department put out a news release regarding the Wildland Fires and Pre-evacuation Notices. 

No homes are immediately threatened by the fires, but Boundary County Emergency Management is working with the Sheriff’s Office to provide pre-evacuation notifications to around a dozen homes on Katka Road from the overlook area up to the top, and also on Two-Tail Road in case conditions change on the Katka Fire. About a dozen homes on Westside Road from Ball Creek south to Burton Creek are also being notified to be in “SET” status in case conditions change on the Scotch Fire. “Set” is the last stage of readiness before an actual evacuation takes place. If not voluntarily evacuating already, residents in this stage are advised to at least gather their evacuation supplies together or pre-load them into their vehicles to enable a quick exit if evacuation is advised.

To read the full news release please check out the attached document. 

 
Bonners Ferry Ranger District Fires Fact Sheet   9/1/2022Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Bonners Ferry Ranger District
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8373/ 
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF
 Public Information Phone: (208) 557-8813
Location: Bonners Ferry, IdahoReported on: August 31, 2022Containment: 0%      Cause: Lightning        Size: 35 acres
 On Wednesday, a severe weather system developed that brought isolated precipitation and many lightning strikes. Today, a reconnaissance flight checked the status of existing fires.  A few new starts from this storm have been reported to the Bonners Ferry Ranger District, and crews continue to respond and prioritize resources based on values at risk. The most notable new start is the Katka Fire. The fire is burning ½ mile down the canyon from Katka Peak in steep terrain.
A 20-person hotshot crew is conducting current suppression efforts on the ground. Due to the incoming red flag weather system, resources have been ordered to assist the District.  Resources include 4 Fireboss Aircraft, 3 Helicopters, multiple Large Air Tankers, and several engines and crews. Today, firefighters will continue assessing and developing strategies for on-the-ground actions. Air resources continue to work fires throughout the dispatch zone and are being made available based on the potential threat to values such as private land.
Closures: USFS Roads 182 and 143 are under official closure notice for public safety. Trails Impacted include: Clifty Mountain Trail, McGinty Ridge Trail, and Clifty/Burrow Trail. 
Evacuations: Pre-evacuation ‘Ready’ notices have been given to residents on Westside Road from Ball Creek south to Burton Creek in case conditions change on the Scotch Fire. Call the Boundary County Emergency info line at 208-696-2626 for details.  When living in fire-prone areas, all residents must have an evacuation plan, including having all essential documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered and quickly transportable.  Residents of Boundary County, ID, can visit https://www.nixle.com or text their home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts. To learn more about Ready Set Go, visit https://bit.ly/3wi0jMu. For tips on defensible space for homes, visit Firewise https://bit.ly/3PALyeG. To prevent unwanted fires, visit the Idaho Department of Lands https://bit.ly/3c4v158.

###

The Katka Fire is now the Kootenai River Complex. Click here for information.

Attention, it has come to our attention that there has been social media posts/conversations about donating to the U.S. Forest Service Fire Management Teams. We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community, but we ARE NOT accepting or requesting donations! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews are well equipped and cared for. However if you are interested in showing support below is a list of ways you can support our team and mission:

Here are some ways you can show support for firefighters.

• Help keep firefighters safe by creating defensible space around your home. Creating defensible space around your home is absolutely the BEST thing you can do to help firefighters.  Learn how at http://firewise.org.

• Post thank you banners / signs in the community and on social media.  This is a great morale booster for firefighters after a long shift!

• Write thank you notes to firefighters. Drop them off at the incident command post so they can be posted or shared.

• Write thank you letters to firefighters families.  Put them in blank, stamped envelopes.  After briefings or after shifts, firefighters can address letters to parents, kids, spouses, etc. 

• • , and we have strict national guidelines for firefighter nutrition. Rest assured, we feed our fire crews three meals a day, including snacks.

Consider a financial contribution to a voluntary organization of your choice. You might consider a donation to:

• Your Local Fire Department
• The Wildland Firefighter Foundation or other firefighter support organization
• The American Red Cross or other community relief organization

• Your local Humane Society or other animal support organization
• Other organizations of your choice

Thank you for your kind consideration! 

Bonners Ferry Ranger District Katka Fire Fact Sheet

 Friday, September 2, 2022

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Bonners Ferry Ranger District

 
Bonners Ferry Ranger District Fires Fact Sheet   9/1/2022Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Bonners Ferry Ranger District
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8373/ 
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF
 Public Information Phone: (208) 557-8813
Location: Bonners Ferry, IdahoReported on: August 31, 2022Containment: 0%      Cause: Lightning        Size: 35 acres
 On Wednesday, a severe weather system developed that brought isolated precipitation and many lightning strikes. Today, a reconnaissance flight checked the status of existing fires.  A few new starts from this storm have been reported to the Bonners Ferry Ranger District, and crews continue to respond and prioritize resources based on values at risk. The most notable new start is the Katka Fire. The fire is burning ½ mile down the canyon from Katka Peak in steep terrain.
A 20-person hotshot crew is conducting current suppression efforts on the ground. Due to the incoming red flag weather system, resources have been ordered to assist the District.  Resources include 4 Fireboss Aircraft, 3 Helicopters, multiple Large Air Tankers, and several engines and crews. Today, firefighters will continue assessing and developing strategies for on-the-ground actions. Air resources continue to work fires throughout the dispatch zone and are being made available based on the potential threat to values such as private land.
Closures: USFS Roads 182 and 143 are under official closure notice for public safety. Trails Impacted include:              Clifty Mountain Trail, McGinty Ridge Trail, and Clifty/Burrow Trail. 
Evacuations: There is a pre-evacuation ‘Ready’ notice in place for residents on Katka Road from the overlook area to the top, and also on Two-Tail Road. When living in fire-prone areas, all residents must have an evacuation plan, including having all essential documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered and quickly transportable.  Residents of Boundary County, ID, can visit https://www.nixle.com or text their home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts. To learn more about Ready Set Go, visit https://bit.ly/3wi0jMu. For tips on defensible space for homes, visit Firewise https://bit.ly/3PALyeG. To prevent unwanted fires, visit the Idaho Department of Lands https://bit.ly/3c4v158.

###

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 5     INCIDENT COMMANDER: JOE SAMPSONWilliams Creek & Twin Lakes FiresNez Perce-Clearwater National ForestFire Information: 208-274-9674 (through 9/16)  208-935-6134 (starting 9/17)
September 16, 2022
This is the FINAL Daily Update from Northern Rockies Team 5. The Forest will provide periodic updates, based on fire activity and/or changes in the status of closures.   
WILLIAMS CREEK FIRE (5 miles west of Orogrande)Start Date: 8/29/2022       Cause: Lightning       Size: 16,084 acres       * Completion: 55% Total Personnel: 126    Engines: 5       Helicopters: 2       Hand Crews: 1    
Joe Sampson’s Incident Management Team will transition with resources remaining on the fire, ensuring a smooth transfer of command on Saturday morning. Today is the Team’s final day and its members will travel to their home units tomorrow.
All aircraft and hand crews will be demobilized from the fire by this evening. Three engines will also be demobilizing. Many of the resources leaving the Williams Creek Fire will be reassigned to other active fires across the Northern Rockies. Two engines will remain on site, patrolling and monitoring fire activity. While no aerial resources will be assigned directly to the fire tomorrow, several aviation resources located in Grangeville will be available if needed. The fire has shown very little heat in the past few days; but the larger, dry logs may produce puffs of smoke as they smolder until fully consumed.
As the fire continues to smolder along the 233 and 311 Roads, standing dead trees (“snags”) remain a dangerous hazard and could fall without notice. Crews and heavy equipment are working to remove these trees and clear the roadways, coordinating with the county road department to determine necessary repairs. The roads into Orogrande remain closed to the general public, as this area is within the Forest Area Closure. 
The Forest implemented an expanded Area Closure on 9/12, due to the fire’s location and its high potential for movement given the dry fuels and recent weather conditions. The closure remains in effect and will be re-evaluated, based on fire activity conditions and associated firefighting and repair efforts.
TWIN LAKES FIRE (east of Twin Lakes and Hagen Creek)Start Date: 8/25/2022       Cause: Lightning       Size: 992 acres       * Completion: 75%   
The Twin Lakes Fire will be monitored by local Forest Service resources, as needed. The wildfire module completed structure protection measures and has been demobilized. 
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIORThe cool, wet weather pattern remains in the fire area, with increased cloud cover. Relative humidity levels hovered in the 60-70% range. Light precipitation fell off and on throughout the day. Similar weather conditions will linger, with a chance of scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms and additional widespread precipitation through the weekend and into early next week. Wetting rains are likely, with associated lightning, small hail, and gusty winds to 30 mph. Due to the weather, limited fire behavior is expected. However, smoke will likely remain visible as larger fuels continue to smolder.  
 CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGESClosures surrounding both fire areas are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Specific closure information and maps are posted on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8372/ as they are implemented. 
The Twin Lakes Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:OPEN:  NFSR 444 Gospel Road – open from junction with NFSR 221 to Moore’s Guard Station/Campground
CLOSED:NFST 312 – North Moore’s Trail – closed from trailhead to MP 6.83/jct with NFST 383 Square MountainNFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from MP 6.64/jct with NFST 315 to MP 7.16/jct with NFST 312NFST 315 – Kentucky Creek Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 313 to MP 7.71/jct with NFST 383NFST 313 – Hump Trail – closed from MP 15.4/jct with NFST 384 to MP 18.1/jct with NFST 315NFST 384 – Square Mtn. Spur Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 383 to MP 1.37/jct with NFST 313NFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFSR 444 to MP 1.59/jct with NFST 384NFSR 444 – Gospel Road – closed from MP 11.57 at Moore’s Campground to end of road at Square Mountain Lookout
The Williams Creek Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:OPEN:Idaho Highway 14 - South Fork Highway: Open from MP 35.2 to MP 43 at Elk City Township Boundary. NFSR 222 - Dixie Road: Open from Forest Boundary at MP 0.95 to jct with NFSR 1800 at MP 7.36.  
CLOSED:NFSR 1800 - 66 Creek Road: Closed from junction with NSFR 222 to jct with NSFR 9803.  NFSR 9803 - North Wheeler Mtn. Road: Closed from jct with NSFR 1800 to jct with NSFT 508.  NFST 508 Porter Trail: Closed from jct with NSFR 9803 to jct with NSFT 207.  NFST 207 Moose Butte Trail: Closed from jct with NST 508 to hydrologic divide located in T26N R8E section 9 NW 1/4.  NFST 205 Columbia Ridge Trail: Closed from hydrologic divide/ridge located in T26N R8E section 20 NW 1/4. to junction with NSFR 233 near Orogrande Summit.  NFSR 233 Crooked River Road: Closed from jct with NSFT 205 to jct with NSFR 233C.  NFSR 233C Little Buffalo Road: Closed from jct with NSFR 233 to jct with NSFT 313.  NFST 313 Hump Trail: Closed from jct with NSFR 233C to jct with NSFT 300. NFST 300 Boundary Peak Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 313 to hydrologic divide/ridge located in T27N R6E section 17 NW 1/4.  NFST 806 20 Mile Lake Trail: Closed from hydrologic divide/ridge located in T27N R6E section 5 NW 1/4 to jct with NSFT 414.  NFST 414 20 Mile Creek Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 806 to jct with NSFT 930. NFST 930 Desperation Mine Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 414 to jct with NSFR 492. NFSR 492 Santiam Sourdough Road: Closed from jct with NSFT 930 to beginning of road/junction with Idaho Hwy 14.
* “Percent completion” of objectives more accurately captures and reports the specific amount of work accomplished on the ground to manage fire spread and reduce the negative impacts to communities, infrastructure, and other identified values. By using percent completion of objectives, fire managers can illustrate how they are progressing with the accomplishment of objectives that have been identified and prioritized. As a comparison, “containment” implies firelines around the entire perimeter, directly next to the fire's active edge.

Daily Update for September 15, 2022

WILLIAMS CREEK FIRE (5 miles west of Orogrande)Start Date: 8/29/2022       Cause: Lightning        Size: 16,084 acres       * Completion: 31% Total Personnel: 150    Engines: 5       Helicopters: 2       Hand Crews: 2    
 The Forest implemented an expanded Area Closure on 9/12, due to the fire’s location and its high potential for movement given the dry fuels and recent weather conditions. The closure remains in effect and will be re-evaluated, based on fire activity conditions and associated firefighting and efforts.
Crews dismantled the pumps and water-handling equipment from Wild Horse Lake yesterday. Crews to the north of the fire and in Orogrande also worked on removing equipment no longer needed. Excess resources not needed will demobilize. Sampson’s Incident Management Team will work to transition with resources remaining on the fire, ensuring a smooth transfer of command on Saturday morning.
Aerial support from helicopters was unavailable yesterday due to low visibility. An unmanned aerial system (“drone”) was able to fly the fire area. Drone activities were slightly hampered by gusty winds, rain, and small hail. However, drone operators were still successfully able to monitor fire activity along the northern flank and gather information on the fuels treatment project areas west of Orogrande. 
As the fire continues to smolder along the 233 and 311 Roads, standing dead trees (“snags”) remain a dangerous hazard and could fall without notice. Crews and heavy equipment are working to remove these trees and clear the roadways, coordinating with the county road department to determine necessary repairs. The roads into Orogrande remain closed to the general public, as this area is within the Forest Area Closure. 

TWIN LAKES FIRE (east of Twin Lakes and Hagen Creek)Start Date: 8/25/2022       Cause: Lightning        Size: 992 acres       * Completion: 40%   
The Twin Lakes Fire will be monitored by local Forest Service resources, as needed, beginning today. The wildfire module completed structure protection measures and has been demobilized. 
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIORThe northern portion of the fire received about a half inch of rain and some small-sized hail yesterday. The southern side of the fire did not receive any wetting rain. Humidity levels ranged from the high 40s to low 70s, with temperatures topping out in the mid-60s. Similar weather is expected today, with more widespread rain. The entire fire area could see between a quarter to a half inch of rain over the course of the day. This cool, wet weather pattern is likely to remain through the weekend. Snowfall in higher elevations is possible by early next week. Due to the weather, limited fire behavior is expected. However, smoke will likely remain visible as larger fuels continue to smolder in the interior of the fire area.  
CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGESClosures surrounding both fire areas are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Specific closure information and maps are posted on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8372/ as they are implemented. 
The Twin Lakes Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:OPEN:  NFSR 444 Gospel Road – open from junction with NFSR 221 to Moore’s Guard Station/Campground
CLOSED:NFST 312 – North Moore’s Trail – closed from trailhead to MP 6.83/jct with NFST 383 Square MountainNFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from MP 6.64/jct with NFST 315 to MP 7.16/jct with NFST 312NFST 315 – Kentucky Creek Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 313 to MP 7.71/jct with NFST 383NFST 313 – Hump Trail – closed from MP 15.4/jct with NFST 384 to MP 18.1/jct with NFST 315NFST 384 – Square Mtn. Spur Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 383 to MP 1.37/jct with NFST 313NFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFSR 444 to MP 1.59/jct with NFST 384NFSR 444 – Gospel Road – closed from MP 11.57 at Moore’s Campground to end of road at Square Mountain Lookout
The Williams Creek Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:OPEN:Idaho Highway 14 - South Fork Highway: Open from MP 35.2 to MP 43 at Elk City Township Boundary. NFSR 222 - Dixie Road: Open from Forest Boundary at MP 0.95 to jct with NFSR 1800 at MP 7.36.  
CLOSED:NFSR 1800 - 66 Creek Road: Closed from junction with NSFR 222 to jct with NSFR 9803.  NFSR 9803 - North Wheeler Mtn. Road: Closed from jct with NSFR 1800 to jct with NSFT 508.  NFST 508 Porter Trail: Closed from jct with NSFR 9803 to jct with NSFT 207.  NFST 207 Moose Butte Trail: Closed from jct with NST 508 to hydrologic divide located in T26N R8E section 9 NW 1/4.  NFST 205 Columbia Ridge Trail: Closed from hydrologic divide/ridge located in T26N R8E section 20 NW 1/4. to junction with NSFR 233 near Orogrande Summit.  NFSR 233 Crooked River Road: Closed from jct with NSFT 205 to jct with NSFR 233C.  NFSR 233C Little Buffalo Road: Closed from jct with NSFR 233 to jct with NSFT 313.  NFST 313 Hump Trail: Closed from jct with NSFR 233C to jct with NSFT 300. NFST 300 Boundary Peak Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 313 to hydrologic divide/ridge located in T27N R6E section 17 NW 1/4.  NFST 806 20 Mile Lake Trail: Closed from hydrologic divide/ridge located in T27N R6E section 5 NW 1/4 to jct with NSFT 414.  NFST 414 20 Mile Creek Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 806 to jct with NSFT 930. NFST 930 Desperation Mine Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 414 to jct with NSFR 492. NFSR 492 Santiam Sourdough Road: Closed from jct with NSFT 930 to beginning of road/junction with Idaho Hwy 14.
* “Percent completion” of objectives more accurately captures and reports the specific amount of work accomplished on the ground to manage fire spread and reduce the negative impacts to communities, infrastructure, and other identified values. By using percent completion of objectives, fire managers can illustrate how they are progressing with the accomplishment of objectives that have been identified and prioritized. As a comparison, “containment” implies firelines around the entire perimeter, directly next to the fire's active edge.
Increases in acreage are due to better mapping over a three-day period. Infrared mapping flights were unable to fly due to weather and visibility issues.